Merab Dvalishvili`s upcoming rematch against Sean O`Malley at UFC 316 was scheduled partly because a clear next contender hadn`t emerged in the bantamweight division. However, this landscape is expected to shift significantly after Saturday`s events.
Since the announcement of an immediate rematch following Dvalishvili`s victory over O`Malley last September, new challengers have started building momentum. Notably, perennial threat Cory Sandhagen solidified his standing with a key win over Deiveson Figueiredo in May. Sandhagen has consistently been on the verge of a title shot, and his latest performance, combined with the fact that he has never faced Dvalishvili, likely positions him at the top of the list for the next opportunity.
During the UFC 316 media day, Dvalishvili commented on the situation, stating, “Right now, [the] clear contender looks like it`s Cory Sandhagen, especially because we never fought each other.” He praised Sandhagen`s fighting style and his track record against formidable opponents in the division.
While acknowledging the fan interest in such a matchup, Dvalishvili stressed the UFC`s ultimate decision-making power. “I am champion now and whoever the UFC will give me, I will fight the next contender, the next best guy in the division,” he affirmed.
Sandhagen boasts a 4-1 record in his last five fights, with his sole recent loss coming via decision to Umar Nurmagomedov, whom Dvalishvili previously defeated in January. His impressive resume and lack of history with Dvalishvili make him a strong candidate for a title challenge should the Georgian secure a win at UFC 316.
Another fighter who could rapidly ascend the ranks on Saturday is former Bellator bantamweight champion Patchy Mix, scheduled to make his long-awaited UFC debut.
Mix is set to face Mario Bautista in a pivotal bantamweight bout. Both fighters are on hot streaks, holding a combined 14-0 record across their last 14 outings. The winner of this contest is expected to make a substantial leap forward in the division.
Adding an interesting dynamic, Mix and Dvalishvili have a history of training together extensively over the past few years. This wasn`t an issue when Mix competed in a different organization, but now he has signed with the UFC and is pursuing the same championship currently held by Dvalishvili.
Despite their teammate and friend status, Dvalishvili is clear that a potential clash with Mix would not mirror the situation he had with Aljamain Sterling, where the teammates declined to fight each other while both were top contenders.
“Patchy Mix is a great fighter,” Dvalishvili stated. “Yes, we’re training a lot [together]. He’s one of the best and I respect him. I’m happy for him he’s in the UFC right now.” He views Mix`s arrival as a positive development for both the UFC and the bantamweight division. Dvalishvili confirmed they discussed the possibility of him joining the UFC and that they remain “cool” and friends who train together.
He explicitly differentiated the potential scenario from the one with Sterling: “It’s not the same as it was between me and Aljo. If the time comes, we will fight each other. It’s nothing personal.” He framed it as a professional necessity, with both fighting for their families and teams. Dvalishvili extended good luck wishes to Mix for his upcoming fight, adding, “hopefully I’m going to win this fight against Sean O’Malley and we’ll see from there.”
Flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja was also brought up as a potential future opponent, having previously hinted at a possible move up to the bantamweight division.
Pantoja has his own challenge ahead, facing Kai-Kara France at UFC 317. However, Dvalishvili expressed willingness to welcome the Brazilian if he decides to move up and the UFC sanctions a title fight.
“Yes, he’s a respectful champion,” Dvalishvili said regarding a potential fight with Pantoja. “If he moves up and the UFC… lets him fight for the belt, no problem. I’m a champion now. I’ll fight whoever the UFC choose for me to fight.”
Ultimately, Dvalishvili`s immediate focus remains on getting past Sean O’Malley for a second time at UFC 316. He feels fully prepared for the challenge.
Assessing his opponent, Dvalishvili remarked that O`Malley “should be 70 percent better because he quit a lot of stuff.” He specifically mentioned O`Malley quitting social media and smoking weed, suggesting this focus likely led to improvements in wrestling and knockout power. Dvalishvili expressed eagerness to test “the best version of Sean O’Malley.”
